• Exploring Basildon Park
    Berkshire

    Exploring Basildon Park

    February 20, 2024 - By 

    Spring is all around us here in the UK so it seemed the perfect weather for a day out exploring somewhere new. With our trusty National Trust membership cards in hand we decided to visit Basildon Park, only an hour from London. Basildon Park is a Grade I listed building, built in the Palladian style. It runs regular events and you can visit the house, gardens and tea rooms. Exploring Basildon Park We were fortunate with some lovely weather so enjoyed the drive to Basildon Park in Berkshire. We picked up a map and film trail leaflet at the entrance…

  • The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Book Artists at the Victoria Art Gallery Bath
    Monday Happy List

    Five Happy Things {Week 488}

    February 18, 2024 - By 

    Starting the week by writing the Happy List is something I’ve been doing for a while over the last few years. It is my chance to sit down and reflect on the things that made me happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of the adventures we have as a family. Five Happy Things {Week 488} Two of my favourite things happened last week – Pancake Day and Valentines’ Day. We love pancakes and do have them every so often. Nothing beats enjoying them on Shrove Tuesday though. I ate mine with lemon and sugar whilst everyone else loaded theirs with…

  • Thirsty Meeples Bath {Board Game Cafe review}
    Somerset

    Thirsty Meeples Bath {Board Game Cafe review}

    February 15, 2024 - By 

    With the kids on half term we decided to have a short city break in Bath. We love Bath and have been lucky to visit many times. It is the perfect size for a short city break and has lots to offer families. We booked a fantastic apartment in a Georgian terrace just off the famous Royal Crescent within easy walking distance of the centre of Bath. Thirsty Meeples Bath {Board Game Cafe review} We love a visit to a Board Game Cafe as we love to play board games. I searched for Board Game Cafes in Bath and found…

  • Candle painting for beginners
    Crafts for adults - Crafts for teens - Crafts for tweens - Valentines Day crafts

    Candle painting for beginners

    February 13, 2024 - By 

    A few weeks ago I jumped at the chance to try my hand at candle painting. Have you heard of this craft trend? You can decorate or paint your own candles so they will match your decor. I thought this was a great opportunity to try a new craft, and make my own Valentine Day decor to brighten up our home. Candle painting, or creating decorative designs on candles, has gained popularity as a creative and customisable form of expression. People enjoy personalising their living spaces, and candle painting provides a unique way to add artistic flair to everyday items.…

  • Basildon Park childrens trail
    Monday Happy List

    Five Happy Things {Week 487}

    February 12, 2024 - By 

    Starting the week by writing the Happy List is something I’ve been doing for a while over the last few years. It is my chance to sit down and reflect on the things that made me happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of the adventures we have as a family. Five Happy Things {Week 487} Last week just flew by because we were all looking forward to half term! The kids were only back at school for 5 weeks but it felt like a long time as the weather has been so cold and miserable. Today the sun is…

  • M&S Decorate Your Own Heart Biscuit kit
    Valentines Day crafts

    M&S Decorate Your Own Heart Biscuit kit

    February 11, 2024 - By 

    I didn’t have time to bake any gingerbread biscuits for Valentine;’s Day this year so I cheated (and saved myself some time) by picking up a little box of heart biscuits from M&S. Honestly I spent dar too much money in M&S but they have the nicest treats, especially for Christmas and Easter. I’m pretty sure I remember buying the same biscuit kit last year, but it’s something my daughter always enjoys and makes a fun after school activity. M&S Decorate Your Own Heart Biscuit kit If you are looking for heart shaped biscuits then look no further than M&S.…

  • Easy felt heart corner bookmark for teens
    Crafts for kids - Crafts for teens - Crafts for tweens - Valentines Day crafts

    Easy felt heart corner bookmarks for teens

    February 8, 2024 - By 

    I enjoy the splash of colour which Valentine’s Day brings. The kids have been busy making handmade Valentine’s Day gifts and this year came up with a felt heart corner bookmark. These are so much fun to make and give to a friend. List of supplies: Felt Matching embroidery threads Needle Pencil or fabric marker A pair of scissors How to make felt heart corner bookmarks: Prepare the template patterns by printing the free heart template sheet, and cutting them out. Select at least 2 different coloured pieces of felt. Trace the patterns on the selected felt fabrics and then…

  • Stitch Head by Guy Williams
    competition

    {Giveaway} Stitch Head Graphic Novel by Guy Williams

    February 7, 2024 - By 

    I like nothing better than curling up with a good book at this time of year. I’ve always been a huge fan of getting lost in a good book and thankfully this is something my children share too. We love to discover new authors and were recently introduced to the amazing Stitch Head Graphic Novel by Guy Bass and illustrated by Pete Williamson. Stitch Head Graphic Novel edition by Guy Williams The first book in the best-selling, laugh-out-loud STITCH HEAD series by award-winning author Guy Bass, with illustrations by Pete Williamson, now brought to almost-life again in this brand-new, monstrously…

  • Wimperis embroidery kit
    Monday Happy List

    Five Happy Things {Week 486}

    February 5, 2024 - By 

    Starting the week by writing the Happy List is something I’ve been doing for a while over the last few years. It is my chance to sit down and reflect on the things that made me happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of the adventures we have as a family. Five Happy Things {Week 486} Last week I finished Godmersham Park by Gill Hornby and I enjoyed it so much I ordered a copy of her other novel about Jane Austen, Miss Austen. This is equally good and I’m enjoying reading it whenever I can. I find Jane Austen…